"Perfect Crown"'s IU and Byeon Woo-seok's romance is drawing hot responses from viewers at home and abroad.
In the MBC Friday-Saturday drama "Perfect Crown" (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young, produced by Kang Dae-seon), the romance between Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) and Grand Prince IAN (played by Byeon Woo-seok) has deepened, and at the same time reactions from viewers around the world, including Korea, are growing increasingly enthusiastic.
Buoyed by this, "Perfect Crown" has held the top spot in TV-OTT drama buzz for the fourth week of April 2026 as released by Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, remaining at the very top for three consecutive weeks since its first broadcast. After ranking first across all categories that make up buzz — news, VON, SNS, and online video — IU and Byeon Woo-seok also swept the drama cast buzz rankings at first and second place for four consecutive weeks. (As of Apr. 28, 2026) In addition, it has maintained the No. 1 spot in the TV-OTT drama category TOP20 in search response for two consecutive weeks.
Also, episode 6 recorded nationwide ratings of 11.2% and 5.9% in the 20-54 demographic, setting a personal best not only in overall ratings but also proving itself the undisputed strongest as the No. 1 Saturday program in both the greater Seoul area and the 20-54 demographic. (Nielsen Korea)
It is also continuing to blaze on OTT. According to FlixPatrol, it held No. 5 globally and No. 1 in non-English TV shows on Disney+. It has consistently held the No. 1 spot in Korea as well as in Japan and Taiwan since its first release, and ranked No. 1 in 16 countries and territories, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Venezuela. It reached No. 2 in Italy, Mexico and Chile; No. 3 in Australia, New Zealand and Paraguay; No. 4 in Canada and the United States; No. 5 in Switzerland and Belgium; and No. 6 in the United Kingdom, entering the top 10 in 39 countries and territories overall, extending the "Perfect Crown" craze from North America and Latin America to Europe. (As of Apr. 27, 2026)
In particular, episodes 5 and 6 depicted Seong Hee-ju and Grand Prince IAN, who became closer after overcoming the crisis of a contract marriage, making viewers' hearts race. Among those, the proposal event that capped Nae Jin-yeon's finale and the kiss on the romantic-filled yacht have been circulating widely in communities.
Therefore, in episodes 7 and 8, which have passed the midpoint, Seong Hee-ju and Grand Prince IAN, who have become an officially approved betrothed couple by the king, will begin full wedding preparations, and the pink-tinged atmosphere is expected to deepen. The two, who blush at the slightest touch of the other's hand and frequently smile as they recall the day's memories, are becoming completely captivated with each other, and anticipation is building for their wedding ceremony.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]